The term “arcade games” is a loose category referring to the coin-operated, skill-oriented games found in many commercial and recreational centers like malls, restaurants, fairs, casinos and, of course, gaming arcades. Not even the coin-operated aspect of this definition is constant, since some of the larger arcades require players to purchase and use special tokens in order to use the machines.

The object of the game varies, as well. Sometimes, one plays the game in order to win a tangible prize, such as in Claw Crane games, where one manipulates the eponymous claw crane in hopes of grabbing the toy or trinket one wants among those displayed inside the machine. At fairs, people who do well at machines are often given a prize (commonly a stuffed animal) by the person running the booth in question. More often, the prize is nothing other than the glory of having proved one’s skill and set a local record.

Bets

Betting is not a part of arcade games in the same way as it is intrinsic to casino games. Still, one does find some arcade games at casinos. The betting format for arcade games is much the same as that for slot machines: a small amount of money (often an amount ranging from twenty-five cents to a dollar) buys the player the right to one round of game, or a certain amount of play-time. The playing-fee can be understood as wagered money, which the player might think of as a “loss” if he does not win the game.

Strategies

The dizzying variety of arcade games makes it difficult to talk about a strategy that will be helpful for all of them. Instead of discussing specific techniques, the best thing might be to outline a strategic approach. This approach may be summarized by the following phrase: know the machine.

This approach becomes especially relevant if you happen to be playing one of the many arcade games patterned after pre-existing sports. For example, Pong, the early and very popular arcade game pioneered by Atari, is based on ping pong or table tennis. This does not mean that being good at ping pong will make you good at Pong. In fact, somebody who is quite bad at ping pong might still do very well with the Atari game because he or she has become well-acquainted with the game machine.

Being good at handling an Atari Pong machine does not mean that you will have the same success with a Pong machine made by another company. Many devotees of arcade games develop a special relationship with the machines in a certain arcade. They become familiar with the eccentricities that wear and tear have conferred on specific machines, and may therefore be unwilling to switch to another arcade.

Another important principle is to understand the particular skill being tested by a certain game. Does the game demand precision, speed, or both? Answering such questions allows you to focus on exactly what you need to do to win. Here’s a simple example: Claw Crane games demand precision and control rather than speed. Why bother trying to lower the crane quickly if you are not under time pressure, and if haste will only make it harder for you to aim properly? It is better to concentrate on slow, small, graduate movements so that you can grab exactly the prize you want.

The Experience

Though arcade games are often considered childish pleasures, they actually demand more of their players than more “adult” forms of recreation, such as casino gambling, do. This is because success in many casino games is almost completely a matter of luck. In the games where some skill is involved, such as in poker, the ability required is mostly mental. Players are more likely to do well if they have a good memory and are skilled at calculating (or at least estimating) odds. In arcade games, however, both mental and physical skills are required. Good reflexes and hand-eye coordination are indispensable, as is knowledge of the machinery. Players will also benefit from good decision-making skills. In multi-level arcade games, the speed of play increases as one proceeds to higher stages. Playing at those levels requires people to be able to judge which of several simultaneous problems needs to be solved first.

The place of arcade games in our lives is becoming uncertain. Many of the people who would have been interested in such games in previous decades are turning to online games and home video consoles instead. Still, there need be no segregation between those who like arcade games and those who would rather play online or with a console. Taking the time to try both types of games is a great way to get in touch with two different generations of gaming. Though pinball may seem woefully low-tech in comparison to, say World of Warcraft, it must not be forgotten that video and computer games have deep roots in arcade games. It is quite common for fans of arcade games to progress smoothly into deep devotion (and even addiction) to computer games. Arcade games also offer the unique (if increasingly retro) pleasure of face-to-face contact with your opponent, especially in games like Mini Football or Air Hockey. Playing then becomes neither solitary nor solely competitive, but a fun bonding activity spiced with a bit of rivalry.

While closely related to casino and online or video games, arcade games offer a special combination of pleasures. Even if a game costs only a few coins, a great deal is still asked of players, in terms of skill and time taken to become good at a certain game. Arcade games are also much more accessible than casino games, since they are found in a wider variety of venues and do not require a minimum age in order for players to participate. They can be just as addictive and skill-oriented as online games, but also allow players to come together and bond. When understood for what they are, arcade games can be a year-round pleasure, instead of an oddity we enjoy every now and then at the fair.

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